Deer registration tradition a thing of the past

A freshly killed deer at the Shiocton deer registration station.

It seems the more the DNR tries to promote deer hunting, the more they destroy it. Yes, and now a pretty old tradition is going by the wayside. Deer registration at your local gas station/C-store, restaurant, bar, etc. Just where will hunters go to show off that first big, or maybe that last, buck they ever get?

I have been there when a first-time hunter comes into register his or her first buck or doe. Their eyes light up and then the stories start. While their stories are being told, there is always a proud parent, relative or close friend standing by. After the stories are told, just about everyone will follow the lucky hunter outside to see that prize deer and congratulate the lucky hunter.

I'm sorry, but doing away with these registration stations will not promote hunting. Just where will we go to see these new friends, old friends and hear their first stories, and maybe their last story, about that big buck?

Anyone who hunts knows you can only eat that deer just so long ... but that story you can tell as long as you can remember it.